The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of Co-active life coaching on obese female university students. Five obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2), female university students received an average of nine weekly, 35-minute, one-on-one sessions with a certified coach. Semi- structured, in-depth interviews before and after participating in the coaching intervention were conducted, and inductive content analysis was utilized. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. Participants initially reported: struggling with barriers and experiencing pressure from family to lose weight; negative relationships with themselves; feeling self-conscious and remorse for their size and lifestyle choices. At the conclusion of the study period, participants attributed enhanced self-acceptance; living healthier lifestyles; and making themselves a priority to their coaching experience. They appreciated being treated as the expert in their lives. Life coaching has potential as a method for supporting obese individuals in improving their relationships with themselves, and may serve as a catalyst in facilitating weight-loss.

Citation Information

Melissa van Zandvoort, Jennifer D. Irwin and Don Morrow. "The Impact of Co-active Life Coaching on Female University Students with Obesity" International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring Vol. 7 Iss. 1 (2009) p. 104 - 118 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/donald_morrow/16/